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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
| State Rep. Rosita C. Youngblood
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Youngblood: Corbett's budget would favor big business, hurt working families
As governor calls for 'shared sacrifice,' big business would be big winners in budget proposal
HARRISBURG, March 8 – State Rep. Rosita C. Youngblood, D-Phila., said that as Gov. Tom Corbett called for "shared sacrifice" during difficult economic times, his budget proposal would place the burden squarely on the shoulders of Pennsylvania's working families.
Youngblood said that the growing middle class will continue to be squeezed if Corbett's budget plan is adopted. She said the new governor's proposal seems to favor big business at the expense of programs and services to students, seniors and disabled residents.
"In his budget speech, the governor had a list of areas where state funds for programs serving public school and college students, working families and the elderly are going to shrink, while big corporations' are given perks and tax breaks," Youngblood said. "His budget would put the load on local governments and schools to accept program cuts, or seek to preserve standards through higher property taxes, the most unfair method of taxation. And it would slash funding to help our future generations afford a college education."
Under the Corbett plan, big businesses will be asked to make little, if any sacrifice compared to average citizens, Youngblood added.
"As working, middle-class families and retirees pay their taxes and struggle to make ends meet – Governor Corbett seems to be letting big business get a free ride in Pennsylvania," she said. "He continues to protect the interests of out-of-state big oil and gas companies over the interests of taxpayers by not seeking a severance tax on the highly profitable Marcellus Shale formation. Pennsylvania remains the only state with access to natural gas from Marcellus Shale to not impose a tax on this valuable natural resource."
Youngblood said that even in difficult times, the state must continue to find ways to create jobs and invest in economic development. She said a great example of this is the success of the state's gaming industry. Since 2006, the industry has contributed more than $4 billion in economic activity and created more than 15,000 jobs.
"Governor Corbett seems to think that for businesses to succeed, the state must totally remove itself from the equation," Youngblood said. "The gaming industry is proof that you can establish a relationship with business that helps to bring in revenue for the state while also boosting private investment. We cannot let big corporations off the hook in this time of 'shared sacrifice.'"
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